Pet Fire Safety

Did you know that an analysis conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2010, determined that dogs and other pets start 1,000 house fires annually?  Many pet parents let their pets roam the house while they’re away (which there’s nothing wrong with), but as parents, you have to be prepared and aware of the dangers.

American Kennel Club and ADT Security Systems offer the following tips to educate pet parents on how to prevent your beloved pet from starting a fire, as well as how to keep your pets safe.

Prevent Your Pet from Starting Fires

Extinguish open flames: Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

Remove stove knobs: Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.

Invest in flameless candles: These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.

Beware of water bowls on wooden decks: Do not leave a glass water bowl for your pet outside on a wooden deck.  The sun’s rays, when filtered through the glass and water, can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.

A fire can happen in a blink of an eye. Make sure as a pet parent; that you are protecting the ones you love.

For more safety tips, click here.